Meaning: The quote by Ben Okri, a Nigerian poet and novelist, encapsulates the idea that reading is not a passive activity but rather an active and creative engagement with a text. Okri suggests that readers bring their own perspectives, experiences, and emotions to the act of reading, and this influences their interpretation of the text. He argues that the richness of the reading experience depends on the depth and breadth of the reader's engagement with the material. In essence, Okri is highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the reader and the text, emphasizing that the act of reading is not merely about deciphering words on a page but about actively participating in the creation of meaning.

When Okri states that "reading, like writing, is a creative act," he is challenging the traditional notion of reading as a passive consumption of information. Instead, he positions reading as an inherently creative process that requires the reader to actively construct meaning from the text. This aligns with the concept of reader-response theory, which emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting and co-creating the meaning of a text. According to this perspective, the reader's unique background, beliefs, and experiences shape their understanding of the text, making each reading experience a highly individualized and creative act.

The quote also touches upon the idea that readers bring a "narrow range" of themselves to the book, they will only see their limited perspective reflected in it. This notion underscores the importance of open-mindedness and empathy in reading. It suggests that if a reader approaches a text with preconceived notions or a narrow perspective, they may fail to appreciate the full depth and complexity of the material. In other words, a closed-minded approach to reading can limit the reader's ability to engage with diverse viewpoints and experiences presented in the text. Okri's quote thus encourages readers to approach literature with an open heart and mind, ready to embrace the multiplicity of meanings and perspectives it offers.

Furthermore, Okri's quote speaks to the transformative potential of reading. By acknowledging the creative agency of readers, he highlights the capacity of literature to inspire, challenge, and broaden one's understanding of the world. When readers bring a wide range of themselves to a book, they open themselves up to new ideas, emotions, and experiences, which can lead to personal growth and expanded horizons. This aligns with the idea that literature has the power to foster empathy, critical thinking, and self-reflection, ultimately enriching the reader's inner world.

In essence, Ben Okri's quote serves as a reminder that reading is not a passive or one-dimensional activity. It is a dynamic and creative process that demands active engagement, empathy, and an open mind. By recognizing the profound influence of the reader's perspective on the reading experience, Okri's quote underscores the transformative power of literature and the endless possibilities for meaning-making that it offers to those who approach it with openness and receptivity.